The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim on the east, south and west respectively. With an area of 46,500 square km., Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography. It was the mighty Himalayas which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched through the centuries. The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guarded isolation. The Kingdom is peopled sparsely, with a population of only 678,000. Four main linguistic groups constitute Bhutan’s population: the Sharchopas, who are held to be indigenous inhabitants, the Bumthangpas and the Ngalongpas who originate in neighboring Tibet, and the Lhotshampas, recent immigrants of Nepalese origin. The inhabitants of Bhutan are gracious, gentle and very hospitable. They are peace loving and possess a lively sense of humor. The history of the Kingdom dates back to the 8th century, with Guru Padmasambava’s legendary flight from Tibet to Bhutan in 747 A.D, on the back of a tigress. The Guru, also considered as the second Buddha, arrived in Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), on the cliffs above the valley of Paro, and from there began propagation of the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism. In the ensuing centuries many great masters preached the faith, resulting in the full bloom of Buddhism in the country by the middle ages. Although sectarian at first, the country was eventually unified under the Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism in the early 17th century, by the religious figure, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Shabdrung codified a comprehensive system of laws and built dzongs which guarded each valley during unsettled times, and nowadays serve as the religious and administrative centers of their respective regions. In the next two centuries, the nation was once again fragmented into regional fiefdoms with intermittent civil wars. At the end of the 19th century, the Tongsa Penlop, Ugyen Wangchuck, who then controlled the central and eastern regions, overcame all his rivals and united the nation once again. He was unanimously accepted as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907. Bhutan is the only extant Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom in the world of today, and the teachings of this school of Buddhism are a living faith among its people. The air of spirituality is pervasive even in urban centers where the spinning of prayer wheels, the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps are still commonplace features of everyday life. Bhutan’s religious sites and institutions are not museums, but the daily refuge of the people. One of the most striking physical features of Bhutan is its architecture. The characteristic style and color of every building and house in the Kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure. The dzongs - themselves imposing 17th century structures built on a grand scale without the help of any drawings and constructed entirely without nails - are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Patterns of rich colors adorn walls, beams, pillars and doors in traditional splendor. As with its architecture, art and painting are important aspects of Bhutanese culture and they bear testimony to the spiritual depth of Bhutanese life. Whether it is on a wall, or one of the renowned thangkhas, painters use vegetable dyes to give their work an unparalleled subtle beauty and warmth. Bhutan also boasts a wealth of cottage industries, and the skills of its wood carvers, gold and silversmiths, and weavers (to name only a few) are all representative of highly developed art forms.

One of the main attractions of the Kingdom is its annual religious festivals, the tsechus celebrated to honor Guru Padmasambhava (more commonly referred to as “Guru Rinpoche”). For local people, tsechus are an occasion for reverence and blessing, feasting and socializing. Two of the most popular tsechus are held at Paro and Thimphu, in spring and autumn respectively, but others are held all the year round at temples, dzongs and monasteries throughout Bhutan. Attendance at one of these religious events provides an opportunity for the outsider to experience the extraordinary. Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural heritage more rich and varied than in Bhutan. In historical records, the Kingdom is referred to as the “Valley of Medicinal Herbs”, a name that still applies to this day. The country’s rich flora and fauna is the result of its unique geographic location in the eastern Himalayas where the Tibetan plateau meets South Asia, its annual rainfall which is significantly higher than in the central and western Himalayas, and its considerable altitudinal variation, from 200m above sea level in the south to over 7,000m above sea level in the north, and consequent dramatic climatic variations. Because of the deep traditional reverence which the Bhutanese have for nature, the Kingdom is one of the leading countries in environmental conservation. Over 72% of Bhutan’s land area is still under forest cover. Many parts of the country have been declared wildlife reserves, and are the natural habitats of rare species of both flora and fauna. Opened for tourism in 1974, after the coronation of the present King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wang chuck, Bhutan is perhaps the world’s most exclusive tourist destination. The country still retains all the charm of the old world, and travelers experience the full glory of this ancient land as embodied in the monastic fortresses, ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags fluttering above farmhouses and on the hillsides, lush forests, rushing glacial rivers, and – perhaps most important of all – the warm smiles and genuine friendliness of the people. Each moment is special as one discovers a country which its people have chosen to preserve in all its magical purity.

BHUTAN FESTIVALS:

Sl. No.

Festival

Venue

Time

1

Takin Festival

Damji, GASA

21st 23rd Feb

2.

Nomad Festival of Bhutan

Nagsephel, BUMTHANG

22ND Fen to 24th Feb

3.

International Marathon

Organized by Bhutan Olympic Committee

22nd Feb

4.

Punakha Drubchen

Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA

8th to 10th Mar

5.

Punakha Tshechu

Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA

11th to 13th Mar

6.

Tharpaling Thongdrol

Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG

16th Mar

7.

Chhorten Kora

Chorten Kora, TRASHIYANGTSE

16th & 30th Mar

8.

Gomphukora

Gomphu Kora Lhakhang, TRASHIYANGTSE

7th to 9th April

9.

Talo Tshechu

Talo Gonpa, PUNAKHA

7th to 9th April

10.

Gasa Tshechu

Gasa Dzong. GASA

7th to 9th April

11.

Zhemgang Tshechu

Zhemgang Dzong. ZHEMGANG

7th to 10th April

12.

Paro Tshechu

Rinpung Dzong. PARO

11th to 15th April

13.

Rhododendron Festival

Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochula, THIMPHU

18th to 20th April

14.

Domkhar Tshechu

Domkhar, Chummi, BUMTHANG

9th to 11th May

15.

Ura Yakchoe

Ura Lhakhang. BUMTHANG

10th to 14th May

16.

Nimalung Tshechu

Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG

5th to 7th June

17.

Kurjey Tshechu

Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG

7th June

18.

Haa Summer Festival

Town Festival Groung, HAA

5th to 7th July

19.

Masutaki Mushroom Festival

Ura, BUMTHANG

23rd to 24th Aug

20.

Tour of the Dragon (Bicycle Race)

Bhumthang to Thimphu

6th Sep

21.

Thimphu Drubchen

Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu

28th Sep to 2nd Oct

22.

Wangdue Tshechu

Tencholing Army Ground. Wangdue Phodrang

1st to 3rd Oct

23.

Gangtey Tshechu

Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha.

1st to 3rd Oct

24.

Tamshing Phala Chhoepa

Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bhumthang

2nd to 4th Oct

25.

Thimphu Tshechu

Trashi Chodzong, Thimphu

3rd to 5th Oct

26.

Thangbi Mani

Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bhumthang

7th to 9th Oct

27.

Pemagatshel Tshechu

Pemagatshel Dzong. Pemagatshel

30th Oct to 2nd Nov

28.

Chhukha Tshechu

Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha

31st Oct to 2nd Nov

29.

Jakar Tshechu

Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bhumthang

31st Oct to 3rd Nov

30.

Jambay Lhakhang Drup

Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang

6th to 10th Nov

31.

Prakhar Duchhoed

Prakar Lhakhang, Chimmi, Bumthang

7th to 9th Nov

32.

Black Necked Grane Festival

Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangdue Phodrang

11th Nov

33.

Trashigang Tshechu

Mongar Dzong, Mongar

28th Nov to 1st Dec

34.

Nalakhar Tshechu

Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang

30th Nov to 2nd Dec

35.

Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham

Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bhumthang

6th Dec

36.

Nalakhar Tshechu

Nala Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bhumthang

6th to 8th Dec

37.

Druk Wangyel Tshechu

Dochula, Thimphu

13th Dec

38.

Trongsa Tshechu

Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa

30th Dec to 1st Jan 2015

39.

Lhuentse Tshechu

Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse

30th Dec to 1st Jan 2015

40.

Nabji Lhakhang Drup

Nabji Lhakhang, Trongsa

16th to 19th Jan 2015

VISITING BHUTAN: Formalities

Tourism has been strictly limited in Bhutan so that traditional culture can be preserved and nurtured.The Bhutanese are highly religious people and therefore it is important to show respect and understanding for local customs and way of life, especially while visiting places of religious significance.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and also economically viable.For these reasons, tourism is carefully monitored and the number of tourists visiting Bhutan is kept to an environmentally manageable level.

Customs

Visitors are required to complete a passenger declaration form for checking by concerned officers on arrival. The following articles are exempt from duty: -

The articles mentioned under (d) & (e) must be declared on the declaration form. If any such items are disposed of in Bhutan by sale or gift, they are liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to surrender their forms to the Customs authorities.

Import/export restrictions

Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:

(a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives;

(b)All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs;

(c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species;

(d) Antiques.

Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.

BHUTAN DISTANCE CHART:

From

To

Distance

Time

Phuentsholing

Thimphu

176 Km’s

6 hrs

Thimphu

Punakha

77 km’s

3 hrs

Punakha

Wangdue

13 Km’s

45 Min

Wangdue

Phobjika–Gantey Valley

65 km’s

3.5 hrs

Phobjika

Trongsa

120 km’s

5 hrs

Trongsa

Bhumthang

68 km’s

3 hrs

Thimphu

Paro

65 km’s

1.5 hrs

Punakha

Paro

143 km’s

5 hrs

Paro

Haa

65 km’s

3 hrs

NJP

Phuentsholing

155 km’s

4 hrs

Bagdogra

Phuentsholing

165 km’s

4 hr

Phuentsholing

Jaldapara

31 Km’s

1 hrs

Phuentsholing

Chalsa

110 Km’s

3 hrs

Phuentsholing

Gangtok

220 km’s

7 hrs

Phuentsholing

Darjeeling

200 km’s

6.5 hrs

Phuentsholing

Kalimpong

185 km’s

6 hrs

Phuentsholing

Hasimara

18 km’s

40 Min

Phuentsholing

Alipurduar

67 km’s

1.5hrs

Phuentsholing

Coochbehar

76 km’s

2 hrs

Phuentsholing

Siliguri

155 km’s

4 hrs

How To Go ?

Places To Visit :

BY AIR

Bagdogra near Siliguri, 120 km from Gangtok is the nearest airport to the state.

Paro International Airport (PBH/VQPR) is the only entry point to Bhutan by air. It is located in the south west of the country and served only by the country's flag carrier Druk Air .

BY ROAD

There is frequent services Of Bus between Siliguri and Phuentsholing/Jaigaon. It is roughly a four hour journey.Then there are private buses and shared taxis from Phuentsholing to Thimphu.

PHUENTSHOLING (300m/985ft)

The gateway to the south, it is a thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian plains. Situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills, Phuentsholing is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of the mingling of peoples and cultures. Being a frontier town, Phuentsholing is a convenient entry/exit point for visiting Bhutan and also the neighboring Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

PARO (2,200m/7,218ft)

This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the country’s only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Chomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro valley is one of the Kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.

THIMPHU (2,400m/7,875ft)

The capital town of Bhutan, and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

PUNAKHA (1,300m/4,265ft)

Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. There are splendid views from Dochu-la pass (3, 088m/10,130ft) on the Thimphu - Punakha road.

WANGDUEPHODRANG (1,300m/4,265ft)

Located south of Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang is like an extended village with a few well-provisioned shops. The higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few km. from the town.

TONGSA (2,300m/7,545ft)

This town, perched on steep slopes above a river gorge, forms the central hub of the nation and is the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched in former times. The landscape around Tongsa is spectacular and its impressive dzong, stretched along a ridge above a ravine, first comes into view about an hour before the winding, mountain road leads you into the town itself.

BUMTHANG (2,600-4,500m/8,530-14,765ft)

This lovely valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) still linger in this sacred region.

MONGAR (1,600m/5,250ft)

The journey from Bumthang to Mongar, crossing over the 4,000m high Thrumsing-la pass, is scenically spectacular. Mongar marks the beginning of eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the subtropical east, Mongar is built high on a gently sloping hillside.

TASHIGANG (1,100m/3,610ft)

Tashigang lies in the far east of Bhutan, and is the country’s largest district. Tashigang town, on the hillside above the Gamri Chu (river), was once the center for a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east-west highway, with road connections to Samdrup Jongkhar and then into the Indian state of Assam. This town is also the principle market place for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose way of dress is unique in Bhutan.

TASHIYANGTSE (1,700m/5,580ft)

Tashiyangtse is a rapidly growing town and administrative center for this district. Situated in a small river valley, it is a lovely spot from which to take walks in the surrounding countryside. The dzong overlooking the town was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. Tashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make inexpensive, attractive and useful mementos of a visit to this remote region. The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students study the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, is also worth a visit.